Casa Qui celebrates one month of business! See what’s new at Adelante’s retail business incubator.
Cheers to the New Year! And cheers to Casa Qui, Adelante Mujeres’s Retail Business Incubator, who turned a month old on January 4th, 2021! Located on the Main Street of Forest Grove, Casa Qui brings a splash of Latin and Mexican culture to the Downtown area.
Whistles from Huitzil Imports (Left), Fabric Coasters from Viva La Cactus (Right)
The Casa Qui vendors operate the retail incubator as a team, transforming what was once a wine bar into an exotic and lively shop. Bright plants and bronze mirrors shaped like the sun fill the room, conjuring sunny and earthy feelings. You may even hear birds singing!
This month, Araceli, owner of La Popular, will be releasing a new and delicious product in-store. We’ll keep an eye (and our nose) out for it!
For now, let’s check in with the founding businesses of Casa Qui and learn more about the new journey that these mujeres have embarked on together.
First, we’ll check in with Ximena, owner of Huitzil Imports. Ximena’s spirit shines through her thoughtfully chosen merchandise, which she purchases at fair prices from in-person vendors throughout different areas in Mexico.
Daniela: Ximena, how do you feel after your first month selling at Casa Qui?
Ximena: I feel motivated and happy. The part that I have enjoyed the most has been the response of our customers knowing that they like what we sell in the store and the support and sisterhood that has been given between us as individuals and as businesses!
Me siento motivada y contenta, la parte que más he disfrutado ha sido la respuesta de nuestros clientes al saber que les gusta lo que vendemos en la tienda y el apoyo y hermandad que se ha dado entre nosotras como individuas y como negocios!
¡Que Suave!
Ximena, owner of Huitzil Imports.
Next up, Araceli de la Cruz, owner of La Popular. Araceli is a long time participant of Adelante Mujeres and is currently the only vendor in Casa Qui who is selling prepackaged foods.
Daniela: Araceli, how do you feel after your first month selling at Casa Qui?
Araceli: Grateful for the opportunity that Adelante Mujeres has given me at Casa Qui. I can offer my products throughout the year. Before I could only do it temporarily at the Farmers Market.
Agradecida por la oportunidad que Adelante Mujeres me ha brindado en Casa Qui. Puedo ofrecer mis productos durante todo el año, antes solo podía hacerlo temporalmente en Farmers Market.
Daniela: And what has been your favorite part?
Araceli: Supporting Latina Women so that we can share our tradition, our culture, and our values.
El apoyo a la Mujer Latina para que podamos compartir nuestra tradición, nuestra cultura y nuestros valores.
¡Pa ‘delante!
And we move on to Elvira, from Happy Flowers. Elvira handcrafts elaborate and classic flower arrangements, for all types of events. From Día de los Muertos to Valentine’s Day, or flowers because ¿por que no? She’s your one-stop flower shop!
Daniela: Elvira, what has been your favorite part of participating as a vendor at Casa Qui?
Elvira: Well, opening my own business, being in a place where they [clients] can locate me, and having my space, thanks to Adelante Mujeres.
Bueno, el abrir mi propio negocio, estar en un lugar donde me pueden localizar, y poder tener mi espacio, gracias a Adelante Mujeres.
¡Muchas gracias por compartir, Elvira!
And last but definitely not least, we check in with one of our newest Empresas participants, Irma, owner of Viva La Cactus. Irma specializes in cacti and succulent arrangements in clever, chic vases. She also imports textiles and accessories from her madre tierra, Guatemala!
Daniela: Irma, how has this first month at Casa Qui made you feel?
Irma: This first month at Casa Qui has made me regain my self-confidence. It has made me feel empowered [and] it has given me back my hope of growth and example.
Este primer mes en Casa Qui me ha hecho recobrar la seguridad en mi misma. Me ha hecho sentir empoderada [y] me ha devuelto la esperanza de crecimiento y de ejemplo.
Daniela: And what has been your favorite part?
Irma: My favorite part is the people and the appreciated acceptance, the support received from the community, and Adelante Mujeres. I imagine myself in a floating life preserver, with my eyes closed without any concern, knowing that Adelante Mujeres and the community take care of me.
Mi parte favorita es la gente y la apreciada aceptación, el apoyo recibido de la comunidad y de Adelante Mujeres. Me imagino en un salvavidas flotando, con los ojos cerrados sin preocupación alguna sabiendo que Adelante Mujeres y la comunidad cuidan de mi.
¡Gracias por compartir sus hermosas palabras, Irma!
Those are wonderful sentiments, and we at Adelante are overjoyed to continue providing support and community for these amazing mujeres. We are beyond thankful for our community, and we are thankful for your support.
♥
And because we truly cannot top the beautiful words from our vendors, we leave you with their wishes for the New Year. ¡Enbuenahora!
Viva La Cactus Merchandise: throw pillows on the ledge and cacti plants (reflected in mirror)
“Este año me gustaría claro, seguir creciendo pero al mismo tiempo saber de qué manera mi negocio influye en la comunidad para poder ayudar más.” - Ximena, Huitzil Imports
“Este año quiero ofrecer nuevos productos frescos elaborados en la cocina de Adelante Mujeres y en un futuro venderlos en otros estados del país.” - Araceli, La Popular
“¡Muchas bendiciones!” - Elvira, Happy Flowers
Follow Casa Qui on Facebook and come in for a visit!
Daniela Ortiz is the Empresas Coach and Training Specialist at Adelante Mujeres. Daniela is passionate about entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and working with the Latinx community.
dortiz@adelantemujeres.org